Since I’m too lazy to look back and find my answer from last year’s prompt, you’ll get a fresh answer, though it won’t be a so called “favorite”… but it’ll still probably make you hungry.
Our room only comes with a microwave, countertop range (two spots to boil or fry something), a glass mixing bowl, one frying pan with a lid that belongs to a smaller pan, and a handful of kitchen utensils, and there’s no cooking going on in here, unless I want every single item we own to smell like our last meal. For everyone’s benefit, I’ll write about what I used to cook, instead.
There was my mother’s homemade chili, hamburger/cornbread casserole, or her lasagna… that lasagna was to die for!
During my children’s young years was the proving ground for my culinary skills, which were quite undervalued and appreciated, in my opinion. While they may offer mixed reviews, I feel quite accomplished in both cooking and baking. In truth, due to the creation of the Easy Bake Oven, my baking is probably the better of the two.
Meal wise, a sure fire winner would be my Brown Sugar Burgers. But only use the good buns, because the cheap kind always fall apart like wet paper! I think that I may have written about a Chicken, Mushroom, and Artichoke Fettuccini Alfredo, with fresh Sourdough Garlic Bread. Oh well, I won’t bore you with the details, but it was really good!
Dessert wise, I’ve been told that my Snickers Cheesecake was better than ‘you know what’, but my personal favorite desert would have to be in the cake department. It’s a homemade pound cake with French Vanilla Cream Cheese frosting, covered in fresh strawberries. The strawberries were sliced and covered in a sprinkling of sugar overnight. I always used the syrupy juice to drizzle across the top of the cake, right before it was sliced!
Hands down, cookies will always be my prize winner, but sometimes we have to remember the rest of all that yummy food. With that being said, I’ve done my part in offering a sincere answer to the prompt, but there are other things I wish to spend my time doing this morning, so I’m off for now…
You didn’t think I would forget the cookies, did you?
While the barnyard, nor myself for that matter, have anywhere to call home at the time being, there’s nothing that says I can’t start thinking and dreaming about something… anything, really!
For my mental sanity, it has become necessary that I focus on going somewhere that is much brighter than my present circumstances… it is very dark here (speaking metaphorically).
Have you ever found yourself experiencing what I can only describe as “pressure”… heavy, and somewhat immobilizing, at least for myself? Everyone feels pressure at one time or another in life, certainly! But there are those occasions when it surrounds you on all sides, and one finds it difficult to breathe.
You know how when something pushes against you, normally there would be a certain amount of absorbing the impact, before your body pushes back in an effort to re-stabilize itself? That sort of pressure would be much more recognizable and manageable, but it’s coming from all directions right now, so things look pretty bleak at first glance! You know how they say “can’t see the forest for the trees”? If I let myself dwell on it too much, that’s exactly how I start looking at things… and honestly, I ain’t got time for that garbage!
When things feel overly heavy, then it means I’m trying to do the carrying of that which I have no control over… what a waste of energy!
Perhaps, now you might start to understand why I’ve gone all Capt’n Jack Sparrow/Indiana Jones of late, what with all the passion I’ve thrown into retrieving all my website characters. It’s a safe place for me to pursue things of a heavenly purpose, leaving the earthly issues to my Creator, whom I have every confidence in to make a way. He always does, you know? I don’t say this because of the words of history written in scripture, though they are quite true… I say this because of my own 55 years of life experience. I believe what He tells me, and I will walk this faith to the very gates of Heaven, because I am assured that my name is written upon the pages of the book laid open before Him! I’m simply on my way Home… where my heart is!
For now however, I shall start working on designing and creating my own virtual home space… til God’s finished working on the real one!
As you already know, we’ve no actual barn to recover. The valley is simply empty of anything recognizable, and with no markings that I can even decipher!
I’ve basically been using Journey With Me’s RV as my shelter, while searching the woods for those lost to us…
It was the only thing I had available that was big enough to fit all the babies found, thus far. If you’re wondering, little Tilly is fully recovered from the shock of spending those nights by herself, alone in the woods. I have to say that all this fresh air has done the mouse a world of good! She bounced back much more quickly than I’d anticipated.
Now, every time I send her off to play in the meadow she looses her coveralls, loosing them somewhere in the grass. This leaves me to wander across the meadow in search of her things. Well, at least she’s covered in fur, so a little dirt won’t hurt her!
I am, however, very glad that I let her run wild! Tilly wandering about in the woods actually paid off! While I was busy searching one part of the forest, it was our tiny little mouse that found another of our lost ones…
Thank the heavens, we’ve recovered little Bailey! She was quite upset when Miss Tilly found her, howling in misery; covered in mud and twigs. Tilly had to work for nearly an hour to coax the puppy out from beneath the old rotted out log that she’d been hiding.
According to Tilly, the place where she’d discovered Bailey was terribly close to a busy road, with cars frequently zooming past at some speed. Gabriel was nowhere to be seen! Before you get upset and think the wrong thing, it’s not that bad, really. I truly believe that Gabriel will be just fine, and I think you’ll agree with me, once I tell you the rest of what Bailey told Tilly…
In tears, the puppy retold of how a car pulled off the road and an older gentleman got out and picked her brother up in his arms, before the puppy could run back into the woods. Then, the man walked back to the car, opening the back door and handing the puppy over to the outstretched hands of a small child. Then the man climbed back into the car, driving off into the night with Gabriel in the back seat. Bailey tried to run after the car, barking as loudly as she was able… but it was hopeless! She lost sight of the car almost immediately, and found herself completely alone in the dark. The frightened puppy was left to climb under an old log for shelter. There, she cried herself to sleep, cold and alone.
If it weren’t for Tilly’s keen eyes and ears, we may never have found the tiny puppy. Since then, she hasn’t left Tilly’s side for even a moment! The two of them formed a deep connection, ever since the mouse brought her back from the woods…
I suppose I should explain the reason that I left Tilly near the RV, rather than taking her with me. I really needed to search for any trace of either Acorn Valley, or Pinion Valley, which meant that I could be gone for hours. Not only that, it’s hard to focus your concerns and efforts on finding one baby, if your busy tending to another one, if that makes any sense. I desperately needed to look for any sign of Squagon, and the only place I thought to start searching was the valley where the little guy was born. I found the river and followed it for a bit, in the hopes that it would at least lead me in the general direction of Acorn Valley… remember, there was a sizeable river that flowed past that the little squirrel’s family home.
My plan worked like I’d hoped, leading me straight past the park where I’d first discovered Squagon’s kin so long ago, it seems. Sadly, the park was empty of any wildlife, including the Raven Brothers who were nowhere to be found! There’s now a walking bridge that goes from the park to the other side of the river, so I followed it across and headed down an old, long forgotten path. After an hour or so of walking, I came upon a small picnic area beside the path, deciding to stop for a rest. Sitting down at one of the tables, I leaned back against it and closed my eyes, listening to the birds singing in the trees, as I breathed deeply of the fragrant air that drifted past my face.
From somewhere in the trees above my head, I heard the sound of something small land on the table beside me, most probably a pinecone, or a branch. When I opened my eyes to see what had fallen from the tree, I nearly fell off the bench in surprise!
What had fallen from the tree above my head was NOT a pinecone, at all!
It was, in fact, a very glad to see me squirrel, who happens to bear the name of SQUAGON!!!
Now, I realize that he looks different than we’re used to seeing, but you have to understand that the little guy has been flying around in the forest, lost and confused, by all that has happened. Apparently, he awoke one morning to find himself there in that tree, looking across the river at Acorn Valley, where he’d been born. When he searched the park and found it empty, the confused squirrel went looking for the barn, only to discover that it too, had disappeared! In a panic, he went in search of Pinion Valley, and the rest of his family. When the little guy found no one, he had no idea what else to do, so he returned to the place where he’d first woken up, weeks earlier. The only thing he knew to do, was wait for me to come for him, as he apparently knew that I would! Huh!
Anyways, at least we can all breath a sigh of relief… now that he’s safely tucked away, back at the camper with the rest of his barn mate’s that have we’ve recovered, so far. It’s been good for them to have each other nearby for comfort and reassurance…
I apologize for Boomer being absent, but he’s still rather grumpy and stand-offish. Something’s been really bothering the dragon, ever since Tilly brought Bailey back to the camp without Gabriel accompanying them, too. All that I can think to do here, is to wait. We’ll have to give him more time to come ’round, that’s all!
Speaking of which, it’s time that I come ’round to ending this note. Keep your eyes on the horizon for the return of our beloved Eustace, as well as the return of mini-me with our mighty dragon, Brutus… never say never, right?!
One that is far greater than myself goes before me, from the moment I rise in the morning until I rest my head on the pillow that night! Not only that, but God watches over me as I sleep through the night, guarding my dreams during my rest. Is my life one of comfort, and without worry, pain, and/or sorrow? Certainly not! In truth, my life is a rather gruesome representation of a bright and carefree existence. At least that’s what most see when they stumble upon me for the first time.
But, if you stay long enough to really see what’s really in my heart, really get to know me, there is so much life, hope, love and laughter blanketing all that surrounds me, each and every day! Why? Well, God brings light into any place that he dwells… and since He dwells above, below, in, and around me at all times, well, you get the picture.
Before you start wondering where the Matter’s of the Heart episodes went, they’re not gone… I’m not about to let you off the hook that easy!
Honestly, I think the time spent away from those writings has been for a divine purpose, really! I believe that in certain areas of our journey, God chooses to have us take some constructive detours, allowing us to learn things that are necessary for doing a thing well… I mean really well!
No! I don’t, in fact, believe that everything I write has to have some earth shattering prophetic word in it, though I strive to write things of His goodness in my life, in the hopes that it might help others. What I meant by the idea of doing a thing well, may have far more to do with my personal spiritual growth, than about whatever I may or may not write for others once I’m led to continue that series. Does that make sense?
Over the last few months, I’ve tried not to share too much about our situation, as it is far from secure, unfortunately. While we are no closer to receiving our vitally important voucher, needed for applying to any and all available locations, I know that God is aware of it all… there is absolutely nothing that worry will change about this fact. Faith, is believing in that which you cannot see! I have faith because I know what God can do… not the history part, as that is written in His word.
I’m talking about the fact that I breath air!
I still remember the darkness, the cold of night, and the loneliness of wandering alone all those years ago.
According the scriptures, God knew of this child before the foundations of the earth came to be, and she was chosen by the creator, himself! From the depths of the earth, he saw my unformed body… you really need to read Psalm 139. Then, I suppose that you can decide for yourselves about that history part.
Personally, I’m certain that God was in that hospital room on the day of my birth, awful as it was!
When you’re loved that deeply, there is no way to deny the power of love and restoration that comes only from the Almighty! Remembering all that particular history, has allowed me to fully trust in that which I cannot see, here today!
While I don’t have any actual proof to give you, aside from the fact that I survived the darkness, and am capable of having a heart of grace, forgiveness, and miraculous transformation, thus far.
My faith is far stronger than any fear of the unknown… I know who holds me within the palm of His hand!
No, this isn’t Eustace… he’s simply a friendly camel that I hired to carry me into the dunes, in my search for our lost comrade-in-arms. In answer to the question you must be asking yourselves, I felt that it was far too dangerous to send mini-me out into the deadlands to find Eustace, so instead, I’ve taken it upon myself to search the dunes.
However, I did give her another important task. We’re still missing one very important dragon! Mini-me has been sent southward along the coast, along with a map of the best location for finding Brutus. I’ve put her on our ship instead of that little raft, as the bigger vessel is much sturdier and meant for open water.
My guess is, he’ll probably find our brave little pirate-in-training before she even weighs anchor, which is actually what I’m hoping will happen. I’d prefer it if she didn’t have to get off the ship at all!
Being that I’m in my mid 50’s, living in an old RV with only my laptop and a walking trail as my company, I no longer participate, watch, or actively pursue any sports venue… at all!
If you had asked me this question 30 years, I could have given you numerous examples of my involvement and love of differing sports, primarily, anything involving horsemanship!
Being born on a farm in Oregon, I was riding horses before I was even out of diapers… I’ve seen pictures!
Over the years I was an avid audience member of countless, horse shows, equestrian events and breeder venues. When I was only 18, I lived and worked for a woman who bred, raised, and trained purebred Appaloosas and Quarter Horses. Later, after I had attended Bible Seminary, I was recruited to work as the wrangler for a Christian girls horsemanship camp, in Battleground, WA. The children were taught general horsemanship and husbandry, along with learning how to ride dressage, as well as vaulting.
All my life I worked hard… and played hard! I’ve been bit, kicked, thrown, stomped and drug through the hills by my ankle. While I regret none of the life of adventure upon the back of a horse, it did come at a cost, later in life. I can no longer sit ON a horse, but I can most assuredly, still appreciate the magnificence and beauty of everything about these amazing creatures.
Even today, I can fully enjoy watching any Dressage competition, Hunter/Jumper event, Breeders Cup race, or any Disney movie ever made about a horse. Though many movies have been made about horses, my all time favorite is still the 1979 version of The Black Stallion with Kelly Reno, Terri Garr, and Micky Rooney!
I will end this prompt answer with a little trot down memory lane…
My heart is so grateful to have Tilly back, though she’s still rather overwhelmed with the loss of our babe’s, as well as being lost in the woods, herself! It will take time for her to feel up for any questions, as she still cries frequently. I realize that Tilly loves me, but she feels so lost without all the others. Not only is the little mouse concerned about our missing babies, but she’s filled with fear that the church down the lane will be gone, as well. We’ve not seen any sign of her handsome suitor, young Henry…
While it seems rather simple to just trot down the lane and see if the church is there, but here’s the problem… if we can’t locate the barn, I’ve no way to know where to search for the church. See what I mean?
I’ve a great deal of things on my to-do list here, what with searching for the lost ones, looking for clues on the whereabouts of the barn, worrying about mini-me searching all on her own out there, and repairing the places within the lobby that disappeared in all this mess!
Finding Tilly has given me hope though,
being able to restore the smile that we all fell in love with…
From the confidence gained in finding her, I began my next search for Dinky and Boomer. I thought to go back to the forest that I found Tilly in, hoping that maybe they hadn’t wandered too far off from where I located the missing mouse.
My search was rewarded within only an hour or so of looking. Deep inside the forest, hunkered down together behind an old dead tree, sat my two lost dragons. I’m sure that it’s them, but I must prepare you for the changes that have occurred with both dragons during their absence!
Dinky seems to have shrunk herself back down to the size she was when I first discovered her, probably due to the trauma of being lost in the woods… you know how she gets! But I do know with certainty that it is her, for there is no mistaking her eyes, wouldn’t you agree?!
Though it might not be too terrible that Dinky returned to her original size, as she’s often done whenever feeling frightened or upset. However, I am a bit concerned for Boomer…
The playful, fun loving, and tender Boomer seems uncomfortably different…
He seems more stoic and aloof than before! We must give him time, I think, to soften up and come back to the affectionate little guy that we’re used to seeing. But, keep in mind that he may never be the same, never again resembling that little one… for one thing, he’s much larger now.
The dragon that once mirrored the emotional color and features of his sister, was left to bravely protect Dinky from harm, as well as trying to calm her fears. I have a feeling that the changes are irreversible, either from the trauma or simply because the young dragon was forced to grow up quickly!
Time shall heal the wounds of his heart though… of this, I’m sure! The Boomer we know and love is still in there, even if he looks a little different….
I never enjoy what if questions, regarding the almighty dollar… in my current situation, dreaming of winning the lottery seems absurd, not to mention a waste of my mental time!
I believe that Solomon had it right, when he asked for Wisdom and Discernment over riches. God gave him the choice of anything, remember. I wonder how differently the kings life would have been, had he simply asked for gold.
Journey With Me! 